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Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy eyes Bournemouth showdown

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy admits that he has one eye on a potential Easter Monday showdown with play-off rivals Bournemouth as both clubs fight to claim sixth spot.

Town are just two points off the play-off positions in The Championship, while The Cherries have pushed themselves into contention following a run of five straight wins.

Town's clash with Bournemouth on East Monday could prove pivotal. Credit: PA

Before then, Ipswich face struggling Doncaster Rovers at Portman Road on Saturday and will be hoping to put further pressure on the teams above them with three points.

A fine 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town in midweek kept the Tractor Boys within touching distance of the top six, and McCarthy says that his team must keep picking up results to ensure that Ipswich are in the driving seat by the time Bournemouth come to visit.

"Bournemouth are the team that are flying, it's a remarkable set of results they've had.

They are a good team, they've spent a few quid mind, but they are doing exceptionally well at the moment.

Of course, our next two fixtures will determine how big that game on Easter Monday is."

– Mick McCarthy, Ipswich Town Manager

Ipswich are expecting a bumper crowd at Portman Road on Saturday, as excitement builds that promotion could be a possibility.

Key player Aaron Cresswell should be able to feature after picking up a knock against Huddersfield, but top scorer David McGoldrick will miss out again with a knee injury.